Melanie's Notebook

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Monday, December 8, 2014

Truth be told, I am writing this on 12/8/14 and since teaching my last class on April 24th, I had not done any structured workouts the way I have been used to for so many years. The reasons make for a long story, but once I got back home, I found it hard to get back into a workout routine. I wasn't ready to teach yet, because I'm still in and out of town, but with most of my time now spent at a desk, I had to find SOME motivation to get back into working out!

Well, my friend Aryann started doing online challenge groups this summer and I had already told her I would try Piyo when I get back. The first time I joined late and got thrown off my routine by another trip, but at least got started. Then I joined her December group and this time it's going really well! Being in the group keeps me accountable to the goals I set in the group; it motivates me to exercise and keep my diet clean and we encourage each other.

Anyway, I realized I really miss helping others reach their goals. Learning about their challenges along the way and helping them find a solution. It really just makes me feel good! And bonus: it keeps me on track as well.

So, drum rrrroollll please: I decided to run a challenge group myself!!! December 29th, 2014 - a group to help you set and reach fitness goals. No matter your background, all ages, male, female, beginner, seasoned athlete, near or far, you can be part of this group. Just message me let me help you find the right fitness program for you and to tell you more about how you can't out-train a bad diet. The support of like-minded people and the motivation from a coach will help you reach your health and fitness goals - and if this is not for you right now, maybe you can share this with a friend who will benefit from the extra support ♡

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

I have a deep love for Chia, if not possibly even an addiction! I love Chia jam, Chia bread, Chia in Oatmeal, Chia in green smoothies, Chia pudding and Chia in juice. I have never had a Chia Pet though.

Unfortunately my Chia Pudding never really turns out like Pudding. It's either too dense with seeds or too liquidy to be called a pudding. It's still tasty though and I keep a batch to eat if I have a craving for sweets or to use in my new favorite Chia Fruit Bowl.

On hot summer days in Germany (yes, there are such days!) my Mom spends hours in the kitchen cleaning, cutting, boiling and straining all sorts of red fruits to mix with Pearl Sago and makes Rote Grütze. It always smelled sweet, took all day to make and hours to set and when we can finally eat it, it is oh so delicious and refreshing! I have never attempted to make it because I have no idea what "Johannisbeeren" are called in English or where to find them in Las Vegas. And more importantly, no other Rote Grütze I have ever tried has come close to tasting as good as what my Mom makes. So it has to be her touch. You know...made with love ♡

This Chia Fruit Bowl somehow reminds me of that without trying to immitate it, and fail. It can be eaten cold, but I think it's the heating up of it that makes it extra tasty. And bonus: it doesn't take all day.

This is super simple to make and you could probably figure it out yourself. But if you're anything like me, you like to know thr exact steps someone took to make something you want to try yourself. And then adjust it.

How To Make It
For best results you do need to have that Chia pudding concoction ready in your fridge and here is how I make it. Use organic whenever possible, or non-gmo-certified.

Stir it all together in a storage container, stir, stir, stir, and place it in the refrigerator to thicken. I like to let it sit for at least 4 hours before I eat it or use it for anything else. Stir it again to break up some of the seeds that stuck together. Now it's ready.

For the fruit bowl all you need now is, you probably guessed it, fruit. My current favorites are Blueberries, Strawberries and Apricots.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

To keep you updated on when and where I teach, or who is teaching for me, as well as other community events I hope to see you at, I regularly update my public calendar on the "Schedule & Events" tab of this site.

International Day of Happiness

March 20th! Not only does this day mark Spring Equinox, but the United Nations also declared it International Day of Happiness! To help you appreciate this day and get more than one day of happiness out of your year, En*theos set up this FREE online conference with Masters of Applied Positive Psychology Alumni Association, University of Pennsylvania at http://bit.ly/1mhSInR It really starts today, but presentations will stream for 24 hours after. But you can also purchase forever access, that's up to you. I hope you will listen in and share what you learn. We all deserve to find happiness :-)What is it about?"When the United Nations announced that March 20 would be the International Day of Happiness, [En*theos'] immediate question, as positive psychology practitioners, was “What can we do to increase the total tonnage of happiness in the world?”

With over 300 graduates from the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Applied Positive Psychology program, this conference gives us the opportunity to highlight some of the important applications being done around the world by a wide variety of practitioners."

En*theos Academy for Optimal Living

I absolutely love what en*theos provides with their Academy for Optimal Living! For a seriously small monthly OR annual fee you get access to online streaming interviews, classes, conferences by experts in the field of positive psychology, love, health, wealth, productivity and so much more. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/1gz3miw

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Sure, yoga seems relaxing and can be a great practice for a healthy body, but what if I told you that there's a completely different side of yoga that doesn't even involve a rubber mat or black stretchy pants?

Yoga has inspired people for generations to excel in areas of their lives that go beyond just health and fitness.

Author and creator of The Yoga Code, Jackie Dumaine, has created a 3-day virtual conference that includes 15+ interviews with some of the world's visionary thinkers​ as they open up about the 10 Universal Principles​ of ancient​ yoga wisdom and how you can use them to start creating a life with more Peace, Balance and Joy. ​The Yoga Code virtual conference is available for streaming FREE online March 17 - 19, 2014! #YogaCode

This wisdom can create immediate transformation in your parenting, relationships, finances, happiness, body image and so much more!

Don't worry about the headstands and spinal twists, let's dive in and reflect on yoga's ancient wisdom to create more happiness and passion in our everyday lives.

See you there! :)

What You Need to Know:Dates: March 17 - 19, 2014Price: FREEWhere: Sign up online at entheos#YogaCode

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

We are pretty lucky with our weather here in the Las Vegas Valley. However, early Spring means early blooming and, whether it is pollen throughout the year or something else that's making your nose stuffy, nobody likes a mouth breather, food doesn't taste good when you can't breathe through your nose and it certainly makes practicing yoga or exercise less attractive at the end of a work day. On top of all that, when you can't breathe, you're probably sluggish at work and less productive. That leads to feeling bad about yourself, which may lead to eating your feelings when you get home....stop, stop! Like myself, you probably don't want to take meds because they make you feel tired, super hyper or give you some serious dry mouth.

Try this: during one of your breaks take 10 minutes to take a brisk walk around your work's parking lot (leave your phone to charge at your desk, but bring some water) and focus on deep breathing. Inhale as long and as deeply as you can through your nose and exhale through your mouth.

I could give you more details on how to make this walk meditative and to practice pranayama. But I want this to stay simple, so you will actually do it. Have some water during your walk because you probably don't replenish enough at your desk anyway. Make a pit stop in the bathroom and blow your nose a couple of times. Chances are you will breathe more freely for a while.

What are some of the ways you clear your breathing passages? Leave a comment or email me your tips to share in a future post.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Vinyasa means "to move with your breath" and with today's lesson plan I am keeping "January newbies" in mind, as well as people who are feeling a bit tight in their hamstrings and IT bands. The repetition of moving in and out of a pose will help you learn the poses, as well as increase your range of motion.

Hopefully I will have the pleasure of seeing you in class. But if not, I invite you to practice part or all of this lesson plan.

By the way, search the "Yoga" label and you should find a breakdown of Sun Salutation A. And here is a direct link.

The Healthiest Meal Of Your Day

About Me

Just a few nuggets: raised in Germany (but not German), living in LV since 1993. I am growing the US presence of my family's business from Germany, importing specialty Material Handling and Stapling tools, as well as Office solutions and Luxury Desk Accessories.
With 20 years experience as registered Yoga Teacher, ACE certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, I enjoy motivating others to reshape their lives, and being a Beachbody Coach I can still do that while growing my family's business. Having tried many nutritionals over the years, Shakeology is now my healthiest meal of the day! I especially love the Vegan Chocolate kind! Learn more at www.shakeology.com/melanievbyrne -
I always love to help new people, so if you're looking for a coach to support you through your program, please contact me and I'll help you reach your goals :-) Or we can connect on Facebook: please like my page at https://www.facebook.com/melanievbyrnecoach